UAE pursuing a multifaceted approach to expand global economic partnership

The UAE's Ambitious Economic Objectives

The UAE is committed to expanding its global economic partnerships through a multifaceted approach, which includes traditional trade and investment relations as well as strategic collaborations in technology and clean energy. The Gulf state aims to strengthen its position as a global trade and logistics hub, with comprehensive economic partnership agreements (CEPAs) playing a key role in achieving this goal. These efforts are part of the nation's Projects of the 50, a series of bold initiatives.

UAE's Robust Global Economic Cooperation

1. UAE-Azerbaijan Economic Partnership

The UAE is among the top five investors in Azerbaijan's non-oil sector from 1995 to 2015. Currently, 343 UAE companies operate in Azerbaijan across various sectors such as industry, construction, trade, agriculture, communication, transport, and services. Both countries are collaborating on government efficiency and best practices. The UAE has invested at least $2.2 billion in Azerbaijan, while Azerbaijan has invested a minimum of $347 million in the UAE's economy.

2. UAE-Philippines Economic Cooperation

Economic relations between the UAE and the Philippines are strengthening, with increasing bilateral trade volumes and numerous agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). Bilateral non-oil annual trade doubled to $1.85 billion in 2022 from $830 million the previous year. In 2022, the UAE ranked 17th out of 230 countries as a trading partner for the Philippines, being the largest in the Gulf region.

3. UAE-China Economic Partnership

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, bilateral non-oil trade between the UAE and China has nearly doubled, reaching an estimated $58 billion in 2018. By the end of the decade, trade volumes are expected to reach $200 billion. There are over 6,500 Chinese brands registered in the UAE and more than 327 trade agencies. The UAE also plays a significant role in China's Belt and Road Initiative for International Cooperation, launched by President Xi Jinping in 2013.

4. UAE-Angola Financial Ties

In recent discussions at the UAE Ministry of Finance office in Dubai, ministers from both countries explored potential areas for cooperation in the financial sector and other sectors of mutual interest. UAE-Angola bilateral relations are evolving and expanding at various levels, with the UAE expressing interest in continuing to support different development projects in Angola.

5. UAE-Indonesia Special Economic Partnership

The UAE and Indonesia signed a CEPA in 2022, marking a significant milestone in their bilateral economic cooperation. Since then, trade numbers have seen substantial increases. The agreement aims to increase bilateral trade to $10 billion in five years. During a recent state visit by the President of Indonesia to the UAE, both sides focused on intensifying their relationship in fields such as food security, investment, infrastructure, and climate action.

6. UAE-Morocco Economic Cooperation

The UAE and Morocco share a robust bilateral relationship, looking to strengthen parliamentary relations to indirectly influence economic cooperation and trade agreements. Recently, the UAE Embassy in Rabat and the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco organized an international seminar titled "Morocco-Emirati relations: a prosperous reality and promising prospects," marking the 52nd anniversary of diplomatic ties.

7. UAE-Poland Financial Partnerships

The UAE and Poland are exploring stronger methods to improve financial cooperation, focusing on treasury bonds, fintech, and clean energy. This partnership aims to develop a more sophisticated economic relationship by leveraging expertise and technology. The UAE remains Poland's key trading and investment partner in the Persian Gulf and the broader MENA region, characterized by increasing intensity and constant expansion of cooperation areas.